Adapter assembly for surgical stapling devices

ABSTRACT

A surgical apparatus includes a proximal body portion configured for operable connection to an actuation assembly and a distal body portion selectively articulable relative to the proximal body portion at an articulation joint. The distal body portion includes a distal end configured for selective engagement with a loading unit and defines a longitudinal axis. A length of the proximal body portion is flexible. The proximal body portion may also define a working channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a Continuation-in-Part application whichclaims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/703,956, filed May 5, 2015, the content of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical stapling devices. Morespecifically, the present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies foruse with the powered surgical stapling devices and loading units for usewith the adapter assemblies.

2. Background of Related Art

Surgical stapling devices having a powered handle are known. Suchdevices typically include an adapter assembly for connecting loadingunits to the powered handle. Often the adapter assemblies transferrotational motion from one or more motors in the powered handle assemblyinto linear motion to actuate and articulate the attached loading units.Because replacing a used disposable loading unit or replacing a usedcartridge assembly of a multiple use loading unit during a surgicalprocedure may be a complicated and/or time consuming process, it wouldbe desirable to have an adapter assembly and loading unit with an easilyattachable and replaceable loading unit. It would be further desirableto have an adapter assembly with a flexible shaft for increasing theability to maneuver the loading unit to a desired location.

SUMMARY

An adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting a surgical endeffector that is configured to perform a function and a surgical devicethat is configured to actuate the end effector is provided. The endeffector includes at least one axially translatable drive member, andthe surgical device includes at least one rotatable drive shaft. Theadapter assembly includes a proximal body portion configured foroperable connection to an actuation assembly, and a distal body portionselectively articulable relative to the proximal body portion at anarticulation joint. The distal body portion includes a distal endconfigured for selective engagement with a loading unit and defines alongitudinal axis. A length of the proximal body portion may beflexible.

The proximal body portion may include a handle portion and a flexibleportion. The adapter assembly may include a first elongate rigid portiondisposed between the handle portion and the flexible portion. Theadapter assembly may further include a second elongate rigid portionextending distally from the flexible portion. The proximal body portionmay define a working channel therethrough. The working channel mayinclude a proximal opening adjacent a proximal end of the proximal bodyportion and a distal opening adjacent a distal end of the proximal bodyportion. The adapter assembly may include a loading unit selectivelyengageable with the distal end of the distal body portion. The adapterassembly may include an articulation assembly disposed within theproximal body portion. The handle portion may include a frustoconicalbody.

Another adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting a surgical endeffector that is configured to perform a function and a surgical devicethat is configured to actuate the end effector is provided. The endeffector includes at least one axially translatable drive member, andthe surgical device includes at least one rotatable drive shaft. Theadapter assembly includes a proximal body portion configured foroperable connection to an actuation assembly, the proximal body portiondefining a working channel and a distal body portion selectivelyarticulable relative to the proximal body portion at an articulationjoint. The distal body portion includes a distal end configured forselective engagement with a loading unit and defines a longitudinalaxis.

The proximal body portion may include a handle portion and a flexibleportion. The adapter assembly may include a first elongate rigid portiondisposed between the handle portion and the flexible portion. Theadapter assembly may further include a second elongate rigid portionextending distally from the flexible portion. The working channel mayinclude a proximal opening adjacent a proximal end of the proximal bodyportion and a distal opening adjacent a distal end of the proximal bodyportion. The adapter assembly may include a loading unit selectivelyengageable with the distal end of the distal body portion. The adapterassembly may include an articulation assembly disposed within theproximal body portion. The handle portion may include a frustoconicalbody.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electromechanical surgical staplingdevice including an adapter assembly, loading unit, and cartridgeassembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure,and a powered handle assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the powered handle assembly shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the adapter assembly shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the adapter assembly and theloading unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG.4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional top view of the adapter assembly, theloading unit, and cartridge assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG.6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective end view of the adapter assembly shown in FIG. 1with an outer sleeve removed and a proximal end shown in phantom;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG.8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a proximal body portion ofthe adapter assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an articulation assembly ofthe adapter assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional top view of a distal end of the adapterassembly and the loading unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a perspective top view of the distal end of the adapterassembly and a proximal end of the loading unit shown in FIG. 1, withconnector housings and the outer sleeve of the adapter assembly shown inphantom;

FIG. 14 is a perspective side view of the articulation assembly shown inFIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a distal body portion of theadapter assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of the adapterassembly and an actuation assembly of the loading unit shown in FIG. 1,with housings shown in phantom;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of the adapterassembly shown in FIG. 1 with the housings shown in phantom;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a perspective side view of the loading unit and the cartridgeassembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the loading unit shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is an enlarge perspective side view of the distal end of theadapter assembly and the proximal end of the loading unit shown in FIG.1, as the loading unit is secured to the adapter assembly;

FIG. 22 is a perspective side view of the distal end of the adapterassembly and the proximal end of the loading unit shown in FIG. 21, withthe loading unit secured to the adapter assembly;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 4;

FIG. 24 is a perspective side view of a drive beam of the loading unitshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional side view of the drive beam shown in FIG.24;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional perspective end view of the drive beamshown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a perspective side view of the distal end of the adapterassembly and a proximal end of the actuation assembly shown in FIG. 16,further including a locking mechanism in a first or distal position;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the distal end of the adapter assembly,the proximal end of the actuation assembly, and the locking mechanismshown in FIG. 27, further including a proximal end of the cartridgeassembly shown in FIG. 1, with the locking mechanism in the second orproximal position;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 12;

FIG. 30 is a perspective end view of the cartridge assembly shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a perspective side view of an alternative embodiment of adistal end of an adapter assembly and loading unit according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective side view of the proximal end of theadapter assembly shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a perspective side view of the loading unit shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 35A is a perspective end view of a plunger member of the loadingunit shown in FIG. 32,

FIG. 35B is another perspective end view of the plunger member shown inFIG. 35A;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional top view of the loading unit shown in FIG.32;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 32 with the anvil assembly in a closed position;

FIG. 38 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 36, with the anvil assembly in the closed position;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 32 with the anvil assembly in an opened position;

FIG. 40 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 36, with the anvil assembly in the opened position;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an electromechanical surgical staplingdevice including an adapter assembly, loading unit, and cartridgeassembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the presentdisclosure, secured to a powered handle assembly and including aninstrument received through a working channel of the adapter assembly;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the adapter assembly shown in FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the adapter assembly shown in FIG. 41in a flexed condition;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional top view taken along line 44-44 shown inFIG. 42;

FIG. 45 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 44; and

FIG. 46 is a perspective top view of a proximal body portion of theadapter assembly shown in FIG. 41 with a handle portion split in halfand each of a housing of a coupling assembly and a working channel ofthe adapter assembly shown in phantom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed adapter assembly and loadingunits for surgical devices and/or handle assemblies are described indetail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numeralsdesignate identical or corresponding elements in each of the severalviews. As used herein the term “distal” refers to that portion of theadapter assembly or surgical device, or component thereof, farther fromthe user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portion of theadapter assembly or surgical device, or component thereof, closer to theuser.

With reference to FIG. 1, an adapter assembly in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure, shown generally as adapterassembly 100, and a loading unit according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, shown generally as loading unit 200, are configuredfor selective connection to a powered hand-held electromechanicalinstrument, shown generally as handle assembly 10. The adapter assembly100 is configured for selective connection with the handle assembly 10,and, the loading unit 200 is configured for selective connection withthe adapter assembly 100. As will be shown and described in detailbelow, the loading unit 200 is a multiple use loading unit (“MULU”)configured to selectively receive a replaceable loading unit, i.e.,cartridge assembly 300. The adapter assembly 100, the loading unit 200and the cartridge assembly 300 operate to staple and cut tissue.Although shown and described as being formed independent of the handleassembly 10, it is envisioned that the aspects of the adapter assembly100 may be directly incorporated into the handle assembly 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle assembly 10 includes ahandle housing 12 having a lower housing portion 14, an intermediatehousing portion 16 extending from and/or supported on the lower housingportion 14, and an upper housing portion 18 extending from and/orsupported on the intermediate housing portion 16. A distal half-sectionof the upper housing portion 18 defines a nose or connecting portion 18a configured to accept a corresponding drive coupling assembly 110 ofthe adapter assembly 100. For a detailed description of the structureand function of an exemplary powered hand-held electromechanicalinstrument, please refer to commonly owned U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No.2012/0253329 (“the '329 application”) and U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No.2012/0323226 (“the '226 application), the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

The adapter assembly 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS.3-18. Referring initially to FIG. 3, the adapter assembly 100 includes aproximal body portion 102 and a distal body portion 104. The proximalbody portion 102 includes a proximal end 102 a configured for operableconnection to the connecting portion 18 a (FIG. 2) of the handleassembly 10 (FIG. 2) and a distal end 102 b pivotally connected to aproximal end 104 a of the distal body portion 104 at an articulationjoint 105 (FIG. 3). More particularly, and as will be described infurther detail below, a first connector housing 106 is disposed on thedistal end 102 b of the proximal body portion 102 and is pivotallysecured to a distal connector housing 108 disposed on the proximal end104 a of the distal body portion 104 at the articulation joint 105 by apivot pin 107. The distal body portion 104 includes a distal end 104 bconfigured for selective connection to the loading unit 200 (FIG. 1). Aswill also be described in further detail below, the compact length ofthe distal body portion 104 allows for greater manipulation of anattached loading unit 200 within a body cavity (not shown) during asurgical procedure. The ability of the distal body portion 104 to pivotthrough an arc of one-hundred eight degrees (180°) relative to theproximal body portion 102 allows for further manipulation of an attachedloading unit 200.

The proximal body portion 102 of the adapter assembly 100 includes thedrive coupling assembly 110 (FIG. 5) and an articulation assembly 130(FIG. 12) operably connected to the drive coupling assembly 110 andmaintained within an outer sleeve 103 of the proximal body portion 102.A drive transfer assembly 160 (FIG. 15) extends between the proximal anddistal body portions 102, 104 of the adapter assembly 100 and operablyconnects the drive coupling assembly 110 to a drive assembly 190 (FIG.15) disposed within the distal body portion 104 of the adapter assembly100.

With reference to FIGS. 4-10, as shown, the drive coupling assembly 110has a cylindrical profile and is configured to selectively secure theadapter assembly 100 to the handle assembly 10 (FIG. 1). The drivecoupling assembly 110 includes a connector housing 112 and a connectorextension 114 fixedly connected to the connector housing 112 by anannular ring 113. The annular ring 113 may include a groove 113 a orother feature for securing the adapter assembly 100 to the handleassembly 10. The connector extension 114 may include a notch 114 a orother feature formed in an outer surface thereof for facilitatingalignment of the adapter assembly 100 with the connector portion 18 a ofthe handle assembly 10.

The connector housing 112 and the connector extension 114 operate torotatably support a first drive shaft 116 (FIG. 5), a second drive shaft118 (FIG. 7), and a third drive shaft 120 (FIG. 5). The connectorhousing 112 and the connector extension 114 of the drive couplingassembly 110 also rotatably support the first, second, and thirdconnector sleeves 122 (FIG. 5), 124 (FIG. 7), and 126 (FIG. 5),respectively. The first, second, and third connector sleeves 122, 124,and 126 are configured to mate with the respective first, second, andthird drive connectors (not shown) of the handle assembly 10 (FIG. 1)and are further configured to mate with a proximal end 116 a, 118 a, 120a of the respective first, second, and third drive shafts 116 (FIG. 5),118 (FIG. 7), and 120 (FIG. 5) of the adapter assembly 100.

The drive coupling assembly 110 also includes first, second and thirdbiasing members 122 a (FIG. 5), 124 a (FIG. 7), and 126 a (FIG. 5)disposed distally of the respective first, second, and third connectorsleeves 122, 124, and 126. The first, second, and third biasing members122 a, 124 a, 126 a are disposed about the respective first, second, andthird drive shafts 116, 118, and 120 to facilitate engagement of therespective first, second, and third connector sleeves 122, 124, and 126with respective first, second, and third rotatable drive connectors (notshown) of the handle assembly 10 (FIG. 1) when the adapter assembly 100is connected to the handle assembly 10. In particular, the first,second, and third biasing members 122 a, 124 a, and 126 a function tobias the respective first, second, and third connector sleeves 122, 124,and 126 in a proximal direction. First, second, and third washers 122 b,124 b, and 126 b are received about the respective proximal ends 116 a,118 a, and 120 a of the respective first, second, and third drive shafts116, 118, and 120 to maintain the respective first, second, and thirdbiasing members 122 a, 124 a, and 126 a relative to the respectivefirst, second, and third drive shafts 116, 118, and 120. A spring clip124 c (FIG. 7) is received about the second drive shaft 118 adjacent theproximal end 118 a of the second drive shaft 118 to secure the seconddrive shaft 118 relative to the connector housing 112 of the drivecoupling assembly 110.

For a detailed description of an exemplary drive coupling assembly,reference may be made to the '329 application, the content of which waspreviously incorporated by reference herein.

With reference now to FIGS. 10-16, the articulation assembly 130 effectsarticulation of the distal body portion 104 (FIG. 3) of the adapterassembly 100 relative to the proximal body portion 102 (FIG. 3) of theadapter assembly 100. With particular reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, thearticulation assembly 130 includes an articulation housing 132 and asupport plate 134 secured to a proximal end of the articulation housing132 by a pair of screws 131. A connector tube 136 extends through anopening 135 a in the support plate 134 and includes a threaded innersurface 137 for receiving a threaded connector screw 138. A proximal end136 a of the connector tube 136 operably engages an adapter member 118 cthat is secured to the distal end 118 b (FIG. 10) of the second driveshaft 118.

The articulation assembly 130 further includes a flexible band 140slidably disposed relative to the articulation housing 132. A first end140 a of the flexible band 140 is secured to the connector screw 138 bya first connector 142 and a second end 140 b of the flexible band 140 issecured to a second connector 144. More particularly, the first andsecond connectors 142, 144 are each secured to the flexible band 140 byfirst and second adaptors 146 a, 146 b which are fixedly secured to thefirst and second ends 140 a, 140 b, respectively, of the flexible band140 and operably secured to the respective first and second connectors142, 144. The first and second adaptors 146 a, 146 b may be secured tothe flexible band 140 by adhesive, welding, mechanical fasteners, or inany other suitable manner. Alternatively, the first and secondconnectors 142, 144 are directly secured to the flexible band 140without the use of the first and second adaptors 146 a, 146 b. Each ofthe first and second connectors 142, 144 may be in the form of a gearrack each including a toothed surface 142 a, 144 a for operableengagement with a tensioning mechanism 148.

Turning briefly to FIG. 15, the flexible band 140 is received about apivot member 150. The pivot member 150 is secured between the proximalconnector housing 106 of the proximal body portion 102 and the distalconnector housing 108 of the distal body portion 104 by the pivot pin107. The pivot member 150 is pivotal relative to the proximal connectorhousing 106 and is fixedly secured to the distal connector housing 108.Rotation of the pivot member 150 about the pivot pin 107 throughoperation of the articulation assembly 130, i.e., longitudinal movementof the flexible band 140 relative to the pivot member 150, causesarticulation of the distal body portion 104 of the adapter assembly 100relative to the proximal body portion 102 of the adapter assembly 100.

During use, the articulation assembly 130 is actuated through rotationof the second drive shaft 118. In particular, rotation of the seconddrive shaft 118 causes rotation of the connector tube 136. Rotation ofthe connector tube 136 causes longitudinally movement of the connectorscrew 138. When the connector tube 136 is rotated in a first direction,the connector screw 138 is moved longitudinally in a proximal directionand when the connector tube 136 is rotated in a second direction(opposite the first direction), the connector screw 138 is moved in adistal direction. As noted above, the connector screw 138 is connectedto the first connector 142 and the first connector 142 is connected tothe flexible band 140. Thus, longitudinal movement of the firstconnector 142 causes corresponding movement of the flexible band 140.Since the flexible band 140 is received or fixedly connected about thepivot member 150, longitudinal movement of the flexible band 140 causescorresponding pivoting of the pivot member 150.

With continued reference to FIGS. 10-14, the flexible band 140 ismaintained in tension about the pivot member 146 by the tensioningmechanism 148 received between the first and second connectors 142, 144of the articulation assembly 130. The tensioning mechanism 148 includesa tensioning housing 152, a tensioning screw 154, a biasing member 156,and a tensioning gear 158 rotatably received within the tensioninghousing 152 by a pivot pin 153. The tensioning housing 152 is adjustablysecured to the tensioning screw 154 such that the tensioning housing 152is slidably disposed within the articulation housing 132 between thefirst and second connectors 142, 144. The biasing member 156 is receivedabout the tensioning screw 154 and engages the articulation housing 132.The biasing member 156 applies a force on the tensioning screw 154 whichpulls the tensioning housing 152 in a proximal direction. The forceapplied by the biasing member 156 on the tensioning screw 154 can beadjusted by rotating the tensioning screw 154 and acts on the first andsecond connectors 142, 144 through the tensioning gear 158 to keep thefirst and second connectors 142, 144 and the flexible band 140 intension, thereby ensuring that the first and second connectors 142, 144move uniformly during operation of the articulation assembly 130. Inthis manner, the tensioning mechanism 148 ensures that the firstconnector 142 is advanced or retracted at the same rate as the secondconnector 144 is retracted or advanced. The tensioning mechanism 148 mayalso operate to maintain frictional engagement between the flexible band140 and the pivot member 150. Alternatively, the flexible band 140 issecured to the pivot member 150 using an adhesive, mechanical fasteneror other in any other suitable manner.

With particular reference again to FIG. 15 and additional reference toFIGS. 16-18, the drive transfer assembly 160 operably connects the drivecoupling assembly 110 (FIG. 10) with the drive assembly 190. The drivetransfer assembly 160 includes first and second proximal bevel gears162, 164, first and second horizontal bevel gears 166, 168, and firstand second distal bevel gears 170, 172. The first proximal bevel gear162 is rotatably supported within the proximal connector housing 106 bya first bearing assembly 163. A first end 162 a of the first proximalbevel gear 162 operably engages the distal end 116 b (FIG. 10) of thefirst drive shaft 116 of the drive coupling assembly 110 and a secondend 162 b of the first proximal bevel gear 162 engages the firsthorizontal bevel gear 166. The second proximal bevel gear 164 isrotatably supported within the proximal connector housing 106 by asecond bearing assembly 165. A first end 164 a of the second proximalbevel gear 164 operably engages the distal end 120 b (FIG. 10) of thethird drive shaft 120 of the drive coupling assembly 110 and a secondend 164 b of the second proximal bevel gear 164 engages the secondhorizontal bevel gear 168.

The first and second horizontal bevel gears 166, 168 are rotatablysupported within the pivot member 150 of the articulation assembly 130(FIG. 10) about the pivot pin 107. The first horizontal bevel gear 166operably engages a first end 170 a of the first distal bevel gear 170and the second horizontal bevel gear 168 operably engages a first end172 a of the second distal bevel gear 170. The first and second distalbevel gears 170, 172 are rotatably supported within the distal connectorhousing 108. A second end 170 b of the first distal bevel gear 170includes or supports a first spur gear 174 and a second end 172 b of thesecond distal bevel gear 172 includes or supports a second spur gear176. In this manner, power transmission between the proximal and distalbody portions 102, 104 occurs within the articulation joint 105.

The drive transfer assembly 160 operates to transfer the rotationalmotion from the first and third drive shafts 116, 120 (FIG. 10) of thedrive coupling assembly 110 in the proximal body portion 102 of theadapter assembly 100 to rotational motion of the respective first andsecond spur gears 174, 176 within the distal body portion 104 of theadapter assembly 100. As will be described in further detail below,rotation of the first spur gear 174 causes actuation of the loading unit200 (FIG. 1) and rotation of the second spur gear 176 causes rotation ofthe loading unit 200 (FIG. 1) about the longitudinal axis “x” of theadapter assembly 100.

With particular reference to FIG. 16, the first drive shaft 116 (FIG.10) rotates the first proximal bevel gear 162 in a first direction abouta first longitudinal axis (not shown) extending parallel to thelongitudinal axis “x” of the adapter assembly 100. Engagement betweenthe first proximal bevel gear 162 and the first horizontal bevel gear166 causes the first horizontal bevel gear 166 to rotate about alongitudinal axis (not shown) of the pivot pin 107, i.e., perpendicularto the longitudinal axis “x” of the adapter assembly 100. Engagementbetween the first horizontal bevel gear 166 and the first distal bevelgear 170 causes rotation of the first spur gear 174 in a seconddirection about the first longitudinal axis (not shown) of the adapterassembly 100 when the proximal and distal body portions 102, 104 (FIG.3) of the adapter assembly 100 are axially aligned. The drive transferassembly 160 permits the transfer of rotational motion from the firstdrive shaft 116 to the first spur gear 174 throughout articulation ofthe distal body portion 104 of the adapter assembly 100 relative to theproximal body portion 102 of the adapter assembly 100.

With particular reference to FIG. 17, the third drive shaft 120 (FIG.10) rotates the second proximal bevel gear 164 in a first directionabout a second longitudinal axis (not shown) extending parallel to thelongitudinal axis “x” of the adapter assembly 100. Engagement betweenthe second proximal bevel gear 164 and the second horizontal bevel gear168 causes the second horizontal bevel gear 168 to rotate about thelongitudinal axis (not shown) of the pivot pin 107, i.e., perpendicularto the longitudinal axis “x” of the adapter assembly 100. Engagementbetween the second horizontal bevel gear 168 and the second distal bevelgear 172 causes rotation of the second spur gear 176 in a seconddirection about the second longitudinal axis (not shown) of the adapterassembly 100 when the proximal and distal body portions 102, 104 of theadapter assembly 100 are axially aligned. The drive transfer assembly160 permits the transfer of rotational motion from the third drive shaft120 to the second distal spur gear 176 throughout articulation of thedistal body portion 104 of the adapter assembly 100 relative to theproximal body portion 102 of the adapter assembly 100.

With continued reference to FIGS. 15-17, the distal body portion 104 ofthe adapter assembly 100 includes a cylindrical housing 182 rotatablysupported relative to the distal connector housing 108, a support plate184 securely supported on or connected to the distal connector housing108, and a latch housing 186 securely supported to the cylindricalhousing 182. The cylindrical housing 182 includes a toothed innersurface 182 a for effecting rotation of the cylindrical housing 182 andthe latch housing 186. Although shown secured to the distal connectorhousing 108 by a pair of screws 183, the support plate 184 may besecured to the distal connector housing 108 in any suitable manner.

The latch housing 186 of the distal body portion 104 of the adapterassembly 100 is configured for selective connection with the loadingunit 200. More particularly, the latch housing 186 includes a tongue 186a and a pair of inwardly extending lips 186 b. As will be described infurther detail below, the tongue 186 a and the lips 186 b cooperate toengage the loading unit 200. The latch housing 186 defines a firstlongitudinal opening 185 a for receiving a pivot pin 187 and a secondlongitudinal opening 185 b for operably receiving a latch member 188 anda biasing member 189. Biasing member 189 may include a compressionspring, as shown in FIG. 15, or any other means capable of biasing thelatch member 188 in a distal direction. As will be described in furtherdetail below, the latch housing 186 further includes a pair of bores 185c for receiving a pair of locking members 252 that selectively extendfrom the loading unit 200 to prevent separation of the loading unit 200from the adapter assembly 100 when the cartridge assembly 300 isreceived within the loading unit 200.

The distal body portion 104 of the adapter assembly 100 operablysupports the drive assembly 190 of the adapter assembly 100. The driveassembly 190 includes a drive gear assembly 192 rotatably received aboutthe pivot pin 187. The drive gear assembly 192 includes a primary drivegear 192 a and a secondary drive gear 192 b fixedly secured relative tothe primary drive gear 192 a such that the secondary drive gear 192 brotates as the primary drive gear 192 a is rotated. The drive gearassembly 190 further includes a rotation drive gear 194 for causingrotation of the cylindrical housing 182 and the latch housing 186relative to the distal connector housing 108 of the distal body portion104. When the loading unit 200 is secured to the latch housing 182,rotation of the drive gear 194 causes rotation of the loading unit 200.

As shown in FIG. 18, the primary drive gear 192 a of the drive gearassembly 192 engages the first spur gear 174 mounted on the second end170 b of the first distal bevel gear 170 of the drive transfer assembly160 (FIG. 15). Rotation of the first spur gear 174, as described above,causes rotation of the primary and secondary drive gears 192 a, 192 b.The latch housing 186 is configured such that a portion of the secondarydrive gear 192 b is exposed. As will be described in further detailbelow, when the loading unit 200 is secured to the latch housing 186 ofthe distal body portion 104 of the adapter assembly 100, the secondarydrive gear 192 b engages a drive gear 238 (FIG. 20) of an actuationassembly 230 (FIG. 20) of the loading unit 200 to enable actuation ofthe loading unit 200.

With continued reference to FIG. 18, the rotation drive gear 194 engagesthe second spur gear 176 mounted on the second end 172 b of the seconddistal bevel gear 170 of the drive transfer assembly 160 (FIG. 15) andthe toothed surface 182 a of cylindrical housing 182. Rotation of thesecond spur gear 176, as described above, causes rotation of therotation drive gear 194 which causes the rotation of the cylindricalhousing 182 and the latch housing 186 and further causes rotation of theloading unit 200 secured to the latch housing 186.

As shown in FIG. 18, the primary drive gear 192 a of the drive gearassembly 192 and the first spur gear 174 for driving the primary drivegear 192, as well as the rotation drive gear 194 and the second spurgear 172 for driving the rotation drive gear 194 are disposed within thesame cross-sectional plane of the distal body portion 104. This compactdesign of the drive transfer assembly 160 and the drive assembly 190 andthe location of the power transmission within the articulation joint 105allows for a shortened length of the distal body portion 104. Theshortened length of the distal body portion 104 allows for increasedmanipulability of an end effector, e.g., the loading unit 200, during asurgical procedure.

As shown, the length of the distal body portion 104 is substantiallyequal to the diameter of the distal body portion 104. Alternatively, thelength of the distal body portion 104 may be less than the diameter ofthe distal body portion 104. In this manner, the secondary drive gear192 b of the drive gear assembly 192 is disposed within one diameterlength of the articulation joint 105. For example, if the diameter ofthe distal body portion 104 is fifteen millimeters (15 mm), the distancebetween the pivot pin 107 of the articulation joint 105 and the primarydrive gear 192 a is less than fifteen millimeters (15 mm). Inembodiments, the distance between the pivot pin 107 and the secondarydrive gear 192 b is between five millimeters (5 mm) and thirtymillimeters (30 mm), and more specifically, between ten millimeters (10mm) and twenty millimeters (20 mm).

The loading unit 200 and the cartridge assembly 300 will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 19-31. The loading unit 200 includes a carrier210, an anvil assembly 220, an actuation assembly 230, and a lockingmechanism 250. The carrier 210 and an anvil member 222 of the anvilassembly 220 are pinned together by a pair of pins 222 a, 222 b and aremovable between open (FIG. 4) and closed (FIG. 19) positions. The anvilmember 222 is biased to the open position by a leaf spring 204. Thecarrier 210 defines a longitudinal recess 211 for operably supportingthe actuation assembly 230 and selectively receiving the cartridgeassembly 300. Optionally, an insert or pad 206 is received with thelongitudinal recess 211 of the carrier 210 between the carrier 210 andthe cartridge assembly 300 to reduce the friction between a drive beam240 of the actuation assembly 230 and the carrier 210 during operationof the loading unit 200. An electrical contact member 208 is supportedin the carrier 210 and is in electrical communication with the handleassembly 10 (FIG. 1) through the adapter assembly 100 (FIG. 1) when theloading unit 200 is secured to the adapter assembly 100.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 21-23, a proximal end of thecarrier 210 is configured to selectively secure loading unit 200 toadapter assembly 100. Specifically, the carrier 210 includes anextension 212 that engages the latch housing 186 of adapter assembly100. The extension 212 defines a cutout 213 for receiving the tongue 186a of the latch housing 186 of the adapter assembly 100. The extension212 further defines a pair of notches 213 for receiving the lips 186 bof the latch housing 186 of the adapter assembly 100. The extension 212still further defines a recess 215 (FIG. 23) for receiving the distalend 188 b of the latch member 188 of the latch mechanism 180 of theadapter assembly 100 when the loading unit 200 is engaged with theadapter assembly 100 for frictionally securing the loading unit 200 tothe adapter assembly 100. The extension 212 also defines a pair oflongitudinal bores 217 (FIG. 29) for operably receiving locking members252 and biasing members 254 of a locking mechanism 250, as will bedescribed below.

With particular reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, the loading unit 200 issecured to the adapter assembly 100 by aligning the tongue 186 a of thelatch housing 186 of the adapter assembly 100 with the cutout 213 of thecarrier 210 of the loading unit 200 and the lips 186 b of the latchhousing 186 of the adapter assembly 100 with the notches 215 of thecarrier 210 of the loading unit 200 and moving the loading unit 200relative to the adapter assembly 100. The tongue 186 a and lips 186 b ofthe latch housing 186 are received within the respective cutout 213 andnotches 215 until the distal end 188 b of the latch member 188 of theadapter assembly 100 aligns with and is subsequently received within therecess 215 in the carrier 210 of the loading unit 200. The distal end188 b of the latch member 188 may be conical, as shown in FIG. 21, tofacilitate retraction of the latch member 188 within the secondlongitudinal opening 185 b of the latch housing 186 against the bias ofbiasing member 189 (FIG. 23) as the tongue 186 a and lips 186 b of thelatch housing 186 are received within the respective cutout 213 andnotches 215 in the carrier 210 of the loading unit 200.

The receipt of the distal end 188 b of the latch member 188 in therecess 215 of the carrier 210 of the loading unit 200 frictionallysecures the loading unit 200 with the adapter assembly 100. The receiptof the distal end 188 b of the latch member 188 in the recess 215 mayproduce a tactile and/or audible feedback to the user indicating thatthe loading unit 200 is securely attached to the adapter assembly 100.Prior to the cartridge assembly 300 (FIG. 30) being received within thelongitudinal recess 211 of the carrier 210 of the loading unit 200and/or once the cartridge assembly 300 has been removed from the carrier210, the loading unit 200 may be separated from the adapter assembly 100by overcoming the friction force provided by the latch member 188 of thelatch mechanism 180.

With continued reference to FIG. 20-23, the actuation assembly 230 ofthe loading unit 200 includes a lead screw 232 rotatably supportedwithin the carrier 210 by a bearing assembly 234 and a bearing member236. A drive gear 238 is supported on a proximal end 232 a of the drivescrew 232 between the bearing assembly 234 and the bearing member 236.The drive gear 238 engages the secondary drive gear 192 b (FIG. 21) ofthe adapter assembly 100 when the loading unit 200 is secured to theadapter assembly 100 and functions to transfer the rotational motionfrom the secondary drive gear 192 b to the drive screw 232 of theloading unit 200. A distal end 232 b of the drive screw 232 is threadedand supports a drive beam 240 thereon.

Turning briefly to FIGS. 24-26, the drive beam 240 of the loading unit200 includes a retention portion 242 and a vertical support portion 244.The retention portion 242 of the drive beam 240 is configured forthreaded engagement with the threaded distal end 232 b of the drivescrew 232 (FIG. 20). A flange 242 a formed on the retention portion 242of the drive beam 240 maintains the drive beam 240 in a verticalorientation relative to the carrier 210 (FIG. 20) and the staplecartridge 300 (FIG. 19). The vertical support portion 244 of the drivebeam 240 includes a cam member 246 a and a knife member 246 b. The cammember 246 a is formed on a free end of the vertical support portion 244of the drive beam 240 and is configured for selective engagement with aledge 224 (FIG. 23) of the anvil member 222 of the anvil assembly 220.As will be described in further detail below, engagement of the cammember 246 a of the drive beam 240 with the ledge 224 of the anvilmember 222 causes anvil member 222 to move from the open position (FIG.4) to the closed position (FIG. 19) and maintains the anvil member 222in the closed position. The knife member 246 b of the vertical supportportion 244 of the drive beam 240 is configured to cut the tissue (notshown) clamped between the cartridge assembly 300 (FIG. 19) and theanvil member 222 (FIG. 19) during actuation of the loading unit 200.

In embodiments, and as shown, the drive beam 240 is formed of metal,e.g., stainless steel, or other suitable material. The retention portion242 and the cam member 246 a of the drive beam 240 each include a moldedinsert 243, 247, respectively, formed of plastic, e.g., peek, or othersuitable material. The molded inserts 243, 247 are co-molded with therespective retention portion 242 and the cam member 246 a of the drivebeam 240. The molded insert 243 includes wings 243 a formed on uppersurfaces of the flange 242 a of the retention portion 242 on either sideof the retention portion 242. The wings 243 a operate to reduce thefriction between the drive member 240 and the carrier 210 of the loadingunit 200, thereby reducing the input torque necessary to advance thedrive beam 240 through the carrier 210. Similarly, the molded insert 247includes wings 247 a on an undersurface of the cam member 246 a oneither side of the vertical support portion 244 of the drive beam 240.The wings 247 a reduce friction between the drive beam 240 and the anvilmember 222, thereby reducing the input torque necessary to advance thedrive beam 240 through the carrier 210 of the loading unit 200. Thestainless steel portions of the drive member 240 provide sufficientstrength to support the loads required to clamp and fire a plurality ofstaples (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 25, in addition to the threads provided in the moldedinsert 243, the retention portion 242 of the drive beam 240 is alsoprovided with threads. The threads of the retention portion 242correspond to the threads of the molded insert 243 and operate toreinforce the threads of the molded insert. In this manner, the threadsof the retention portion 242 strengthen the engagement between the drivebeam 240 and the lead screw 232, thereby reducing the likelihood offailure during operation of the loading unit 200.

Turning to FIG. 26, the molded insert 243 of the drive beam 240 isprovided with anti-rotation features 243 b. The anti-rotation features243 a extends through flange 242 a of retention portion 242 to fixmolded insert 243 within retention portion 242 and prevent rotation ofthe molded insert 243 during advancement and retraction of the drivebeam 240. With particular reference now to FIG. 23, the loading unit 200may be provided to the surgeon with the anvil member 222 of the anvilassembly 200 in the open position (FIG. 4) or in the closed position(FIG. 19). When provided to the surgeon in the closed position,following attachment of the loading unit 200 to the adapter assembly100, the loading unit 200 is moved the open position to permit loadingof the cartridge assembly 300 within the longitudinal recess 211 of thecarrier 210. As noted above, the anvil member 222 of the loading unit ismaintained in the closed position through engagement of the cam member246 a of the drive member 240 with the ledge 224 of the anvil member222. Accordingly, to move the loading unit 200 to the open position thedrive beam 240 is moved proximally, i.e., retracted, as indicated byarrow “A” in FIG. 23, to disengage the cam member 246 a of the drivebeam 240 from the ledge 224 of the anvil member 222.

As described above, the drive beam 240 is translated longitudinallyrelative to the drive screw 232 by rotating the first drive shaft 116,which rotates the first proximal bevel gear 162, which rotates the firsthorizontal bevel gear 166, which rotates the first distal bevel gear170, which rotates of the first spur gear 174, which rotates the primarydrive gear 192 a thereby rotating the secondary drive gear 192 b, whichrotates the drive gear 238 of the loading unit 200, which rotates thedrive screw 232 to move the drive beam 240. Rotation of the first driveshaft 116 in a first direction causes the drive beam 240 to move in theproximal direction and rotation of the first drive shaft 116 in thesecond direction causes the drive beam 240 to move in a distaldirection, i.e., advance, as indicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 23.

Proximal movement of the drive beam 240 causes the cam member 246 a ofthe drive beam 240 to disengage from the ledge 224 of the anvil member222. Once the cam member 246 a of the drive beam disengages the anvilmember 222, the leaf spring 204 biases the anvil member 222 to the openposition. Once open, the cartridge assembly 300 is received within thelongitudinal passage 211 of the carrier 210 of the loading unit 200.

The loading unit 200 may then be received through an access port (notshown) and positioned about tissue to be stapled (not shown) in atraditional manner. At any point during the stapling procedure, asdescribed in detail above, the loading unit 200 may be articulatedrelative to the proximal body portion 102 of the adapter assembly 100and/or the loading unit 200 may be rotated about the longitudinal axis“x” of the adapter assembly 100 for positioning the loading unit 200.

With reference still to FIG. 23, once tissue to be stapled (not shown)is received between the anvil member 222 of the anvil assembly 220 andthe cartridge member 310 of the cartridge assembly 300, rotation of thefirst drive shaft 116 of the adapter assembly 100 in a second directioncauses the drive beam 240 of the loading unit 200 to move distally. Asthe drive beam 240 moves distally, the cam member 246 a of the drivebeam 240 engages the ledge 224 of the anvil member 220 to cause theclosing of anvil member 220. Continued distal movement of the drive beam240 effects movement of an actuation sled 330 of the cartridge assembly300 into pusher members 332 to cause the stapling of tissue (not shown).As the drive member 240 is moved distally, the knife member 246 bengages and cuts the stapled tissue (not shown). Once the tissue (notshown) is stapled and cut, the drive beam 240 is retracted throughrotation of the first drive shaft 116 in the first direction, asdescribed above.

The loading unit 200 may then be removed from the patient and the spentcartridge assembly 300 may be separated or unloaded from the carrier210. Once the spent cartridge assembly 300 is separated from the carrier210, the loading unit 200 may be separated from the adapter assembly 100and discarded. Alternatively, a new cartridge assembly 300 may beattached to or loaded into the loading unit 200 to permit reuse of theloading unit 200.

With reference now to FIGS. 27-31, as noted above, the loading unit 200includes a locking mechanism 250 for preventing separation of theloading unit 200 from the adapter assembly 100 when the cartridgeassembly 300 is secured within the loading unit 200. The lockingmechanism 250 includes a pair of locking member 252 and a pair ofbiasing members, i.e., springs 254, received within the locking members252. Pins 256 extend through slots 253 in the locking members 252 toretain the biasing members 254 about the locking members 252 and tosupport the locking members 252 within the longitudinal bores 217 of theextension 212 of the carrier 210. The locking members 252 include distalprojections 252 a that extend into the longitudinal recess 211 of thecarrier 210 and engage a proximal end 300 a of the cartridge assembly300 when the cartridge assembly 300 is operably secured to the carrier210. As shown in FIG. 31, a proximal end of a cartridge body 310 of thecartridge assembly 300 includes a pair of notches 313 for receiving thedistal projections 252 a of the locking members 252.

With particular reference now to FIG. 27, when the locking mechanism 250is in a first position, i.e., prior to the cartridge assembly 300 beingreceived within the longitudinal recess 211 of the carrier 210 of theloading unit 200, the locking members 252 are in a distal-most position.When in the distal-most position, the loading unit 200 is separable fromthe adapter assembly 100, as described above.

Turning to FIGS. 28 and 29, when the cartridge assembly 300 is receivedwithin the longitudinal recess 211 of the carrier 210, the proximal end300 a of the cartridge assembly 300 engages the distal projections 252 aof the locking members 252 causing the locking members 252 to move in aproximal direction, as indicated by arrow “C” in FIG. 28, and into thebores 185 c of the latch housing 186 of the adapter assembly 100.Receipt of the locking member 252 within the bores 185 c of the latchhousing 186 secure the loading unit 200 to the adapter assembly 100 andprevent the loading unit 200 from accidently detaching from the adapterassembly 100 during operation of the loading unit 200.

Turning briefly to FIGS. 30 and 31, the cartridge assembly 300 includesthe cartridge body 310 and a cartridge housing 320. The cartridgehousing 320 securely receives the cartridge body 310 and defines alongitudinal slot 321 for receiving the drive screw 232 of the actuationassembly 230 of the loading unit 200 therethrough. As noted above, thecartridge assembly 300 further includes the actuation sled 330 and thepusher members 332. For a detailed description of an exemplary cartridgeassembly, please refer to commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/257,063 filed Apr. 21, 2014, entitled “Adapter Assembly withGimbal for Interconnecting Electromechanical Surgical Devices andSurgical Loading Units, and Surgical Systems Thereof,” the entirecontent of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

With reference now to FIGS. 32-40, an adapter assembly in accordancewith another embodiment of the present disclosure, shown generally asadapter assembly 400, and a loading unit according to another embodimentof the present disclosure, shown generally as loading unit 500, areconfigured for selective connection to the handle assembly 10 (FIG. 1).The adapter assembly 400 is configured for selective connection with thehandle assembly 10, and, the loading unit 500 is configured forselective connection with the adapter assembly 400. As will be shown anddescribed in detail below, the loading unit 500 is a single use loadingunit configured to fixedly receive a cartridge assembly 600; however, itis envisioned that the loading unit 500 may be modified to receive areplaceable cartridge assembly (not shown).

The adapter assembly 400, the loading unit 500 and the cartridgeassembly 600 operate to staple and cut tissue. The adapter assembly 400and the loading unit 500 are substantially similar to the adapterassembly 100 and the loading unit 200 described hereinabove, andtherefore, will only be described to the extent necessary to detail thedifferences therebetween.

With reference initially to FIG. 32, a proximal body portion 402 (only aproximal connector housing 406 shown) and a distal body portion 404 ofthe adapter assembly 400 are substantially the same as the proximal bodyportion 102 (FIG. 3) and the distal body portion 404 (FIG. 3),respectively, of the adapter assembly 100 (FIG. 3) describedhereinabove. Accordingly, the proximal and distal body portions 402, 404will only be described in detail to the extent necessary to distinguishthe differences therebetween.

With reference now to FIGS. 32 and 33, a distal connector housing 408 ofthe distal body portion 404 is pivotally connected relative to theproximal connector housing 406 of the proximal body portion 402 by apivot member 450. The adapter assembly 400 includes a drive transferassembly 460 operably supported within proximal and distal connectorhousings 406, 408, and a drive assembly 490 operably supported withinand extending through a cylindrical housing 482, support plate 484, andlatch housing 486 of distal body portion 404. The support plate 484 issecured to the distal connector housing 408 by a pair of screws 483 aand the latch housing 486 is secured to the cylindrical housing 482 by apair of screws 483 b. Alternatively, the support plate 484 and distalconnector housing 408 and/or the latch housing and the cylindricalhousing 482 may be secured to each other in any suitable manner, e.g.,threading, friction fit, mechanical fasteners.

With particular reference to FIG. 33, briefly, the drive transferassembly 460 includes first and second proximal bevel gears 462, 464,first and second horizontal bevel gears 466, 468, and first and seconddistal bevel gears 470, 472. The drive gear assembly 490 includes aprimary drive gear 492 a and a secondary drive gear 492 b fixedlysecured relative to the primary drive gear 492 a, and a rotation drivegear (not shown). For a detailed description of the operation of thedrive transfer assembly 460 and drive gear assembly 490, please refer tothe drive transfer assembly 160 (FIG. 15) and the drive gear assembly190 (FIG. 15) of adapter assembly 100 described hereinabove.

With continued reference to FIGS. 32 and 33, the latch housing 486 ofthe distal body portion 404 of the adapter assembly 400 is configuredfor selective connection with the loading unit 500 (FIG. 32). The latchhousing 486 defines a first longitudinal opening 485 a for receiving abearing assembly 487 and a second longitudinal opening 485 b foroperably receiving a latch mechanism 480. The bearing assembly 487rotatably supports the drive gear assembly 490 and the latch mechanism480 selectively secures the loading unit 500 to the distal body portion404 of the adapter assembly 400.

The latch mechanism 480 includes a latch member 488, a biasing member489, and a cap member 489 a for retaining the latch member 488 and thebiasing member 489 within the second longitudinal opening 485 b. Thelatch member 488 includes a proximal portion 488 a configured foroperable engagement by a user and a distal portion 488 b configured tobe selectively received within a recess 515 (FIG. 34) defined in anextension 512 of a carrier 510 of loading unit 500. The latch mechanism480 operates to selective secure the loading unit 500 to the distal bodyportion 404 of the adapter assembly 400. Specifically, the biasingmember 489 of the latch mechanism 480 biases the distal portion 488 b ofthe latch member 488 into the recess 515 formed in the extension 512 ofthe carrier 510 of loading unit 500 when the loading unit 500 is engagedwith the latch housing 486 of the adapter assembly 400 to prevent theloading unit 500 from disengaging from the latch housing 486 of theadapter assembly 400. Proximal movement of the latch member 488, againstthe bias of the biasing member 489, through engagement of the proximalportion 488 a of the latch member 488 retracts the distal portion 488 bof the latch member 488 from within the recess 515 in the extension 512of the carrier 510 of the loading unit 500, thereby permitting theloading unit 500 to be separated from the adapter assembly 400 in thesame manner loading unit 200 is separated from adapter assembly 100,described hereinabove.

With reference now to FIG. 34, the loading unit 500 includes the carrier510, an anvil assembly 520, an actuation assembly 530, and a plungerassembly 550. A distal end of the carrier 510 of the loading unit 500defines a longitudinal recess 511 for receiving the staple cartridge600. The cartridge assembly 600 may be permanently affixed within thelongitudinal recess 511 of the carrier 510 such that the cartridgeassembly 600 cannot be replaced, i.e., for single use, or the cartridgeassembly 600 may be selectively secured with the longitudinal recess 511of the carrier 510 to permit replacement of the cartridge assembly 600,i.e., for multiple uses. The anvil assembly 520 includes an anvil member522 pivotally secured to the carrier 510 by a pair of pivot pins (notshown). The anvil member 522 includes a C-shaped frame portion 524. Aswill be described in further detail below, a proximal end 524 a ofC-shaped frame portion 524 is configured for operable engagement by adistal end 560 a (FIG. 35B) of a longitudinal body portion 560 of aplunger member 552 of the plunger assembly 550.

With continued reference to FIG. 34, the actuation assembly 530 includesthe drive screw 532 and a drive beam 540. With additional reference toFIGS. 35A and 35B, the plunger assembly 550 is operably mounted withinan extension 512 of the carrier 510 and includes a plunger member 552, aspring member 554, and an end cap 556. The plunger member 552 of theplunger assembly 550 is slidably disposed within the extension 512 ofthe carrier 510 of the loading unit 500 and is configured to bias theanvil member 522 of the anvil assembly 520 to an open position (FIG.40). Specifically, the plunger member 552 includes a cylindrical bodyportion 558 received within a longitudinal bore 517 formed in theextension 512 of the carrier 510. A distal end 554 b of the springmember 554 is received within a cylindrical recess 553 defined by thecylindrical body portion 558. The plunger member 552 and the springmember 554 are maintained within the longitudinal bore 517 of theextension 512 by the end cap 556. The end cap 556 may be secured to theextension 512 of the carrier 510 by friction fit, welding, adhesive,mechanical fasteners, or in any other suitable manner. Alternatively,the end cap 556 and the longitudinal bore 517 may be threaded or includea tab and slot arrangement for securing the end cap 556 to the extension512 of the carrier 512.

The plunger member 552 of the plunger assembly 550 is biased in a distaldirection by the spring member 554. Although shown in the form of atraditional coil spring, the spring member 554 may include any mechanismor material exhibiting elastic characteristics, e.g., pneumatic orhydraulic cylinder, rubber bumper. An elongate body portion 560 of theplunger member 552 is operably received within the longitudinal slot 319formed in the extension 512 of the carrier 510. A distal end 560 a ofthe elongate body portion 560 of the plunger member 552 engages theanvil member 522 of the anvil assembly 520 to bias the anvil assembly520 to the open position (FIG. 40).

With reference now to FIGS. 37 and 38, as described above with regardsto the loading unit 200, the loading unit 500 may be provided to theclinician in the closed position, the loading unit 500 may be closedprior to insertion into the body cavity (not shown) of a patient (notshown), or the loading unit 500 may be closed subsequent to positioningthe tissue to be stapled (not shown) between the cartridge assembly 600and the anvil member 522 of the anvil assembly 520. As the anvil member522 is pivoted to the closed position, the proximal end 524 a of theC-shaped frame 524 of the anvil member 522 engages the distal end 560 aof the elongated body portion 560 of the plunger member 552 of theplunger assembly 550. The anvil assembly 520 may be moved to the closedposition through advancement of the drive beam 540 of the actuationassembly 530 or through manual engagement of the anvil assembly 520 bythe clinician. Engagement of the plunger member 552 of the plungerassembly 550 by the anvil member 522 as the anvil member 522 of theanvil assembly 520 is pivoted to the closed position causes the plungermember 552 to move in the proximal direction, as indicated by arrow “D”.As plunger member 552 is moved proximally, i.e., retracted, springmember 554 of the plunger assembly 550 is compressed to provide a springbias against anvil member 522.

Turning now to FIGS. 39 and 40, whether the anvil assembly 520 was heldclosed manually by a clinician or closed through operation of the drivebeam 540 of the actuation assembly 530, release of the anvil assembly520 by the clinician or disengagement of the drive beam 540 the anvilmember 522 permits the anvil assembly 520 to move to the open position.The spring bias generated by compressing spring member 554 during theclosing of anvil assembly 520 acts on plunger member 552 to move theplunger member 552 in the distal direction, as indicated by arrow “E”.Engagement of the distal end 560 a of the elongated body portion 560 ofthe plunger member 552 with the proximal end 524 a of the C-shaped frame524 of the anvil member 522 to cause the pivoting of the anvil member522 to the open position.

Upon completion of a stapling procedure, the loading unit 500 may beseparated or unloaded from the adapter assembly 400 in the mannerdescribed above. Additional loading units may then be attached to theadapter assembly 400 for subsequent stapling procedures. As noted above,the loading unit 500 may be configured to receive a replaceablecartridge assembly (not shown) for permitting reuse of the loading unit500. The adapter assembly 400 may be separated from the handle assembly10 (FIG. 1) and discarded. Alternatively, the adapter assembly 400 maybe sterilized and reused.

With reference now to FIGS. 41-46, an adapter assembly in accordancewith another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally asadapter assembly 600. The adapter assembly 600 is similar to the adapterassembly 100 described hereinabove, and will therefore only be describedin detail as relates to the differences therebetween.

With initial reference to FIGS. 41-43, the adapter assembly 600 includesa proximal body portion 602 and a distal body portion 604. The proximalbody portion 602 includes a proximal end 602 a configured for operableconnection to a handle assembly 10′ (FIG. 41) and a distal end 602 bpivotally connected to a proximal end 604 a of the distal body portion604 at an articulation joint 605. The distal body portion 604 includes adistal end 604 b configured for selective connection to a loading unit,e.g., a loading unit 700 (FIG. 41). Similar to the distal body portion104 (FIG. 3) of the adapter assembly 100 (FIG. 3), the compact length ofthe distal body portion 604 of the adapter assembly 600 allows forgreater manipulation of the loading unit 700 within a body cavity (notshown) during a surgical procedure. The ability of the distal bodyportion 604 to pivot through an arc of one-hundred eight degrees (180°)relative to the proximal body portion 602 allows for furthermanipulation of an attached loading unit (not shown).

With continued reference to FIGS. 41-43 the proximal body portion 602 ofthe adapter assembly 600 includes a handle portion 606 a, a firstelongate rigid portion 606 b secured to and extending distally from thehandle portion 606 a, an elongate flexible portion 606 c secured to andextending distally from the first elongate rigid portion 606 b, and asecond elongate rigid portion 606 d secured to and extending from theelongate flexible portion 606 c. The elongate flexible portion 606 c maybe of any length suitable for completing a given procedure. Theflexibility of the elongate flexible portion 606 c facilitatespositioning of the loading unit 700 within body cavities (not shown) andthrough a lumen (not shown) of a patient (not shown), and increases therange of orientations in which the loading unit 700 may be positioned.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 44 and 45, a drive couplingassembly 610 extends proximally from the handle portion 606 a of theproximal body portion 602 of the adapter assembly 600. An articulationassembly 630 (FIG. 44) is operably connected to the drive couplingassembly 610 and extends through the handle portions 606 a, the firstelongate rigid portion 606 b, the elongate flexible portion 606 c andthe second elongate rigid portion 606 d of the proximal body portion602. A drive transfer assembly 660 (FIG. 44) extends between theproximal and distal body portions 602, 604 of the adapter assembly 600and operably connects the drive coupling assembly 610 to a driveassembly 690 (FIG. 44) disposed within the distal body portion 604 ofthe adapter assembly 600. The drive coupling assembly 610, thearticulation assembly 630, the drive transfer assembly 660, and thedrive assembly 690 are substantially similar to the drive couplingassembly 110 (FIG. 10), the articulation assembly 130 (FIG. 10), thedrive transfer assembly 160 (FIG. 15), and the drive assembly 190 (FIG.15), respectively, described hereinabove, and will only be described tothe extent necessary to fully disclose the adapter assembly 600.

With additional reference to FIG. 46, the drive coupling assembly 610includes a connector housing 612 for rotatably supporting first, second,and third connector sleeves 622, 624, and 626. Proximal ends of thefirst, second, and third connector sleeves 622, 624, and 626 areconfigured to mate with the respective first, second, and third drivemembers (not shown) of the handle assembly 10′ (FIG. 41). Distal ends ofthe first, second, and third connector sleeves 622, 624, and 626 matewith first, second, and third connector shafts 622 a, 624 a, 626 a. Adistal end of the first connector shaft 622 a engages a first driveshaft assembly 616, a distal end of the second connector shaft 624 aengages a second drive shaft assembly 618, and a distal end of the thirdconnector shaft 626 a is configured to engage a third drive shaftassembly (not shown).

The first drive shaft assembly 616 operably connects the first drivemember (not shown) of the actuation assembly 10′ (FIG. 41) with thearticulation assembly 630 (FIG. 44) for articulating the distal bodyportion 604 relative to the proximal body portion 602. The second driveshaft 618 operably connects the second drive member (not shown) of theactuation assembly 10′ with the drive assembly 690 (FIG. 44) through thedrive transfer assembly 660 (FIG. 44) to effect actuation of the loadingunit 700 (FIG. 41). The third drive shaft (not shown) may operablyconnect the third drive member (not shown) of the actuation assembly 10′to the drive assembly 690 (FIG. 44) through the drive transfer assembly660 to effect rotation of the loading unit 700 about its longitudinalaxis “y”.

With continued reference to FIG. 44, at least the portion of each of thefirst, second, and third drive shaft assemblies 616, 618, (not shown)that is disposed within the elongate flexible portion 606 c of theproximal body portion 602 of the adapter assembly 600 is flexible. It isenvisioned that any or all of the first, second, and third drive shaftassemblies 616, 618, (not shown) may be flexible in their entirety.

As shown, the handle portion 606 a of the proximal body portion 602 ofthe adapter assembly 600 includes a frustoconical body configured foroperable engagement by a user. Although not shown, it is envisioned thatthe adapter assembly 600 may be modified to permit rotation of thehandle portion 606 a relative to the drive coupling assembly 610. Inthis manner, the handle assembly 606 a may be rotated relative to theactuation assembly 10′ along a longitudinal axis “z” (FIG. 43) of theadapter assembly 600 to cause the loading unit 700, which defines alongitudinal axis “y” (FIG. 43), to articulate or pivot with respect tothe longitudinal axis “z” of the adapter assembly 600 to permitpositioning of the loading unit 700 relative to the actuation assembly10′.

With particular reference to FIGS. 44 and 46, the first elongate rigidportion 606 b of the proximal body portion 602 of the adapter assembly600 includes a port 603. The port 603 defines a proximal opening 603 ato a working channel or lumen 603 b that extends from the first elongaterigid portion 606 b of the proximal body portion 602, through theflexible elongate portion 606 c of the proximal body portion 602, to adistal opening 603 c defined in the second elongate rigid portion 606 dof the proximal body portion 602. The working channel 603 b provides apassageway for receipt of one or more instruments “I” (FIG. 41) throughthe adapter assembly 600 to a location proximal the loading unit 700(FIG. 41). The working channel 603 b may also be used for providingirrigation fluids to a surgical site and/or for aspirating fluids fromthe surgical site. Alternatively, or in addition, the working channel603 b may receive a guidewire (not shown) for directing the loading unitto a surgical site (not shown). It is envisioned that the workingchannel 603 b may include one or more seal members to maintain a sealabout an instrument “I” received therethrough. Although shown includingonly a single port 603, it is envisioned that the adapter assembly 600may include more than one port and may define more than one workingchannel 603 b.

In operation, the elongate flexible portion 606 c of the adapterassembly 606 facilitates positioning of the loading unit 700 (FIG. 41)by permitting the adapter assembly 600 to flex along the longitudinalaxis “z” to orient the loading 700 relative to the actuation assembly10′ (FIG. 41). As noted above, an instrument “I”, a guidewire (notshown), irrigation fluid (not shown), and/or suction may be providedthrough the working channel 603 b of the proximal body portion 602 ofthe adapter assembly 600 to a location proximal the loading unit 700 atany point during a surgical procedure. Once positioned the loading unit700 is positioned about tissue to be staple (not shown), the adapterassembly 600 and the loading unit 700 operate in a similar manner toadapter assembly 100 and loading unit 200 described hereinabove.

Any of the components described herein may be fabricated from eithermetals, plastics, resins, composites or the like taking intoconsideration strength, durability, wearability, weight, resistance tocorrosion, ease of manufacturing, cost of manufacturing, and the like.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methodsspecifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is envisioned thatthe elements and features illustrated or described in connection withone exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and featuresof another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features andadvantages of the disclosure based on the above-described embodiments.Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has beenparticularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adapter assembly for selectivelyinterconnecting a surgical end effector that is configured to perform afunction and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the endeffector, the end effector including at least one axially translatabledrive member, and the surgical device including at least one rotatabledrive shaft, the adapter assembly comprising: a proximal body portionconfigured for operable connection to an actuation assembly; a distalbody portion selectively articulable relative to the proximal bodyportion at an articulation joint, the distal body portion including adistal end configured for selective engagement with a loading unit anddefining a longitudinal axis, wherein a length of the proximal bodyportion is flexible.
 2. The adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein alength of the distal body portion is substantially the same as adiameter of the distal body portion.
 3. The adapter assembly of claim 1,wherein the proximal body portion includes a handle portion and aflexible portion.
 4. The adapter assembly of claim 3, further includinga first elongate rigid portion disposed between the handle portion andthe flexible portion.
 5. The adapter assembly of claim 4, furtherincluding a second elongate rigid portion extending distally from theflexible portion.
 6. The adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein theproximal body portion defines a working channel therethrough.
 7. Theadapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the working channel includes aproximal opening adjacent a proximal end of the proximal body portionand a distal opening adjacent a distal end of the proximal body portion.8. The adapter assembly of claim 1, further including a loading unitselectively engageable with the distal end of the distal body portion.9. The adapter assembly of claim 1, further including an articulationassembly disposed within the proximal body portion.
 10. The adapterassembly of claim 3, wherein the handle portion includes a frustoconicalbody.
 11. An adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting a surgicalend effector that is configured to perform a function and a surgicaldevice that is configured to actuate the end effector, the end effectorincluding at least one axially translatable drive member, and thesurgical device including at least one rotatable drive shaft, theadapter assembly comprising: a proximal body portion configured foroperable connection to an actuation assembly, the proximal body portiondefining a working channel; a distal body portion selectivelyarticulable relative to the proximal body portion at an articulationjoint, the distal body portion including a distal end configured forselective engagement with a loading unit and defining a longitudinalaxis.
 12. The adapter assembly of claim 11, wherein a length of theproximal body portion is flexible.
 13. The adapter assembly of claim 11,wherein a length of the distal body portion is substantially the same asa diameter of the distal body portion.
 14. The adapter assembly of claim11, wherein the proximal body portion includes a handle portion and aflexible portion.
 15. The adapter assembly of claim 14, furtherincluding a first elongate rigid portion disposed between the handleportion and the flexible portion.
 16. The adapter assembly of claim 15,further including a second elongate rigid portion extending distallyfrom the flexible portion.
 17. The adapter assembly of claim 11, whereinthe working channel includes a proximal opening adjacent a proximal endof the proximal body portion and a distal opening adjacent a distal endof the proximal body portion.
 18. The adapter assembly of claim 11,further including a loading unit selectively engageable with the distalend of the distal body portion.
 19. The adapter assembly of claim 11,further including an articulation assembly disposed within the proximalbody portion.
 20. The adapter assembly of claim 14, wherein the handleportion includes a frustoconical body.